Ste. Genevieve soldier killed in Afghanistan

(Fort Campbell, KY) KSDK-- A local soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Michael Beckerman, 25, of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri died on New Year's Eve in the Kandahar Province when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

"He was the type of person that you could look up to and respect. He loved his family. He loved his daughter. He loved his wife," said Rosie Weisbrod, a family friend. "He loved life," added her husband, Dan. "He lived it to its fullest."

Relatives tell NewsChannel 5 Sgt. Beckerman enlisted in the National Guard at age 18 after graduating from high school in Ste. Genevieve. He spent two years in the National Guard before enlisting in the Army.

Sgt. Beckerman completed tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He was an explosives ordinance disposal specialist. Family says he loved his work and took great pride in his duties. He was serving with his wife, Spec. Margaretta A. Beckerman.

Sgt. Beckerman was a highly decorated soldier. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; and the Combat Action Badge.